Kisses from Kenya

By Brendan & Vuyanzi

Kisses from Kenya is a social podcast hosted by Brendan and Vuyanzi, two Americans living in Nairobi who see the world through different identities, but share a love of fun chats and tender honesty

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FAQs about Kisses from Kenya:

How many episodes does Kisses from Kenya have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.

Kisses from Kenya episodes:

August 24, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 30: We Talked About Cheating... Then Things Got Honest
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We Talked About Cheating... Then Things Got Honest | Kisses from Kenya

Description
This week, Brendan and Vuyanzi somehow end up talking about cheating, relationship confessions, and the stories we'd probably never planned to tell out loud. Then they dive into New York politics, life in Kenya, the questions people still ask about traveling to Africa, and the little moments that made them smile this week.
Whether you're an American abroad, part of the African diaspora, or simply curious about life through a different cultural lens, Kisses from Kenya brings humor, perspective, and honest conversation from Nairobi to wherever you're listening.

In This Episode
Opening Conversation
Brendan reflects on a time in his life when he repeatedly cheated in relationships, prompting an honest conversation about growth, accountability, and learning from the past. When he asks Vuyanzi if she's ever cheated, she shares an embarrassing story from one of her previous relationships.
What's in the News?
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs the country's first statewide moratorium on new data center development.
A conversation about Hochul's political toughness, unexpected rise, and continued ascent as one of the country's most influential governors.
Lost in Translation
Vuyanzi tries to connect with a group of Kenyan grandmothers but realizes the interaction isn't unfolding the way she expected.
Brendan talks about the reactions he still receives when people learn he's traveling to Ghana and Africa, despite having firsthand experience that challenges many of those assumptions.
Our Joy Matters
Queer Joy: Brendan shares his experience speaking at a Rotary Club meeting—and the thoughtful questions that followed.
Black Joy: Vuyanzi reflects on a viral moment involving ICE agents and why it resonated with her.
#KissesFromKenya #KathyHochul #Relationships #AmericansAbroad #Kenya #BlackDiaspora #Ghana #Politics #Culture #Podcast

Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
39min
August 17, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 29: James Talarico, Jasmine Crockett & Brendan's Dating Advice
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Sometimes the conversation before the show says more than the show itself.
This week, Vuyanzi opens up about singleness, clarity, and finally knowing exactly what she wants in a relationship—only for Brendan to accuse her of trying to "manifest obsession." From there, they dive into political loyalty, James Talarico's passionate defense of Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the rise of stan culture in American politics, cultural differences between Kenya and the U.S., and the joy of finding places where you truly feel seen.
Whether you're an American abroad, part of the African diaspora, or simply curious about the world through a different cultural lens, Kisses from Kenya brings humor, perspective, and honest conversation from Nairobi to wherever you're listening.

In This Episode

Opening Conversation
Vuyanzi shares what she's learned about love, singleness, and what she now wants in a partner. Brendan thinks she's aiming for something else entirely.
What's in the News?
James Talarico responds with a passionate defense of Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Are political primaries becoming driven by "stan culture" rather than policy? Vuyanzi and Brendan unpack what that could mean.
Lost in Translation
Vuyanzi wonders why so many social gatherings in Kenya revolve around sitting and talking when all she wants to do is dance.
Brendan shares the story of crashing a wedding in Naivasha and what happened next.
Our Joy Matters
Queer Joy: Brendan reflects on the joy of building a company alongside his best friend.
Black Joy: Vuyanzi shares what it meant to be recognized at a restaurant she hadn't visited in years—and why feeling seen in Kenya has been so different from her experience as a Black woman in America.

#KissesFromKenya #JamesTalarico #JasmineCrockett #AmericansAbroad #Kenya #BlackDiaspora #Dating #Nairobi #Culture #Podcast

Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
25min
August 10, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 28: We Started This Episode VERY Wrong
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Sometimes the best conversations are the ones that begin before anyone says, "Welcome to the show."
This week, Brendan leaves Vuyanzi speechless with a conversation that goes somewhere no one expected. Then it's on to a global security warning for Americans abroad, a Trump speech that had the internet talking, Nancy Grace's latest headline-making case, cross-cultural moments that remind us why living in Kenya is never boring, and the joy that's keeping us smiling this week.
Whether you're an American abroad, part of the African diaspora, or simply curious about life through a different cultural lens, Kisses from Kenya brings humor, perspective, and honest conversation from Nairobi to wherever you're listening.

In This Episode

🎙️ Opening Conversation – Brendan has Vuyanzi asking, "Really?!" as an unexpected conversation takes a turn only he could explain.
🌍 What's in the News?
The U.S. issues a global STEP security message for American citizens abroad.
Donald Trump becomes the subject of unexpected reactions from attendees during a recent speech.
Nancy Grace weighs in on the Nolan Wells case.
🤔 Lost in Translation
Vuyanzi reflects on hearing "That's boys' stuff" while watching a father encourage his daughters to climb, build, and explore.
Brendan questions why anyone would willingly spend extra time waiting at hospital registration.
❤️ Our Joy Matters
Queer Joy: Is Brendan officially hard-launching his relationship… on a national radio show?
Black Joy: Vuyanzi reconnects with her Kenyan sister-friend of 29 years after being apart for the past year.

#KissesFromKenya #AmericansAbroad #Kenya #BlackDiaspora #Trump #STEPAlert #Nairobi #ExpatLife #Culture #Podcast

Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
29min
August 03, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 27: 78 Degrees of Separation
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EPISODE 27: 78 Degrees of Separation
An 87-year-old on OnlyFans, a rose toy, and a conversation about sexuality and ageing that sets the tone perfectly for an episode about people minding everyone's business but their own. New York City asks residents to set their thermostats to 78 degrees during a heatwave. The GOP calls it socialism. The Trump administration scrubs energy conservation guidance from the DOE website. We are living in a time.
In this episode:
Opening conversation - Brendan on sex toys; Vuyanzi on an 87-year-old on OnlyFans, her rose toy, and what it means to own your sexuality at any age
Whose America Is It Anyway? - the Presidential Commission on Election Administration, appointed by Obama in 2013 to improve the voting experience, has been gutted; Marsha Blackburn crushes fortune cookies and talks tough on China while the U.S. still owes China money; NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani asks residents to set air conditioning to 78 degrees during a heatwave to prevent grid collapse - the GOP calls it socialism, the Trump administration deletes federal energy conservation guidance in response
Lost in Translation - Vuyanzi on the cleaner in the club and what that interaction revealed; Brendan misgenders Jane's spouse and has to sit with that
All Joy Matters - Queer Joy: spotting Njeri wa Migwi on the plane - Usikimye does great work; Black Joy: boots on the ground at the BBQ
Democrats Abroad Kenya, election administration, Marsha Blackburn China, thermostat culture war, Zohran Mamdani, Black diaspora podcast, American abroad Nairobi, sexuality and ageing, African diaspora, living in Kenya
Kisses from Kenya is the podcast for Americans living abroad who haven't stopped paying attention. Subscribe and find your people.
#KissesFromKenya #DemocratsAbroad #ElectionRights #BlackDiaspora #AmericanAbroad #ThermostatWars #ZohranMamdani #NairobiPodcast #AfricanDiaspora #QueerJoy
Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
43min
July 27, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 26: The Same Strange Fruit... Again.
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EPISODE 26: The Same Strange Fruit... Again.
Karmelo Anthony. 35 years. Nolan Wells. Trayvon Martin. Ahmaud Arbery. A 16-year-old from the DRC found hanging in early June. A 21-year-old in Georgia in February. Brendan and Vuyanzi sit with Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" - and the devastating reality that the song still applies. The question at the end of this episode is not rhetorical: where do we actually go from here?
In this episode:
Opening conversation - Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years; self-defence, race, and the justice system; Nolan's case
Deep Dive - adultification of Black children; the pattern from Trayvon to Ahmaud to the names we don't hear enough; Black people going missing and being found dead like Nolan Wells and the silence that surrounds it; "Strange Fruit" and the bitter reality that this conversation has not moved as far as it should have
The question - we keep repeating this. Where do we go from here?
Democrats Abroad Kenya, Karmelo Anthony, racial justice, Nolan Wells, Black diaspora podcast, American abroad Nairobi, Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, Strange Fruit, African diaspora
Kisses from Kenya is the podcast for Americans living abroad who haven't stopped paying attention. Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss an episode.
#KissesFromKenya #DemocratsAbroad #RacialJustice #BlackDiaspora #AmericanAbroad #KarmeloAnthony #Adultification #StrangeFruit #NairobiPodcast #AfricanDiaspora
Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
29min
July 20, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 25: Foul Play
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EPISODE 25: Foul Play
Dine Out for Democracy is happening, the U.S. has struck over 90 coastal targets in Iran after Trump ends the ceasefire, and the World Cup host nations just got knocked out of their own tournament in spectacular fashion. Oh, and Trump personally called FIFA to get a red card suspension overturned. Because of course he did.
In this episode:
Opening conversation - Dine Out for Democracy lands as a DAKE event; the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, and a deal that keeps not happening; U.S. strikes as the ceasefire collapses
Whose America Is It Anyway? - World Cup host nations eliminated: Canada 3-0 to Morocco, Mexico 3-2 to England, USMNT 4-1 to Belgium; FIFA rescinds a red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun following direct pressure from President Trump; European MPs and global football critics are not having it. Also: the Knicks, Congo, and the fandoms that connect us
Lost in Translation - Vuyanzi on belly culture, flat tummy obsession, and the quiet liberation of letting that go; Brendan on "I love seeing you enjoy our local foods" - compliment or something else entirely?
All Joy Matters - Queer Joy: sleeping with a bag boy; Black Joy: watching New York City celebrate, Spike Lee, Mariska Hargitay and all
Democrats Abroad Kenya, Iran ceasefire 2026, World Cup 2026, FIFA Trump, Dine Out for Democracy, Black diaspora podcast, American abroad Nairobi, New York Knicks, African diaspora, living in Kenya
Kisses from Kenya is the podcast for Americans living abroad who haven't stopped paying attention. Subscribe and join the conversation.
#KissesFromKenya #DemocratsAbroad #WorldCup2026 #FIFA #Iran #BlackDiaspora #AmericanAbroad #DineOutForDemocracy #NairobiPodcast #AfricanDiaspora
Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
33min
July 13, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 24: Outbreaks, Obstacles & Opening Nights
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EPISODE 24: Outbreaks, Obstacles & Opening Nights
New York moves to remove barriers to voting, Ebola is back in the headlines, and Brendan has a conversation about sexuality with his gentleman that does not go the way he planned. This week has range.
In this episode:
Opening conversation - a new bill in New York targeting voting barriers: what it does and why it matters for Americans abroad
Whose America Is It Anyway? - Ebola patients blocked from entering Kenya; the CDC calling for volunteers to screen at home; global outbreaks and the politics of who gets protected
Lost in Translation - Vuyanzi discovers that chicken bites are in fact just chicken, and has feelings about it; Brendan attempts to discuss sexuality with his gentleman via video and miscalculates significantly
All Joy Matters - Queer Joy: a trip to the theatre together to see a Kenyan play; Black Joy: Catch and Release is out and someone feels liberated
Democrats Abroad Kenya, voting rights New York, Ebola outbreak 2026, Black diaspora podcast, American abroad Nairobi, living in Kenya, African diaspora, Kenyan theatre, overseas voters
Kisses from Kenya is the podcast for Americans living abroad who haven't stopped paying attention. Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss an episode.
#KissesFromKenya #DemocratsAbroad #VotingRights #Ebola #BlackDiaspora #AmericanAbroad #NairobiPodcast #AfricanDiaspora #KenyanTheatre #QueerJoy
Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
25min
July 06, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 23: Off the Market & On the Move
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EPISODE 23: Off the Market & On the Move
It's birthday season, Vuyanzi is taking herself off the market again, and Democrats Abroad Kenya just hosted the first-ever Democrats Abroad AGM on the African continent. No big deal. Brendan explains why Nairobi was the right place to do it - and what it means to bring that kind of gathering to this city.
In this episode:
Opening conversation - birthday shenanigans and Vuyanzi's latest decision to remove herself from romantic circulation, which both hosts agree they've heard before
Whose America Is It Anyway? - The Democrats Abroad AGM comes to Nairobi: why here, why now, and what DAKE is actually building on the ground
Lost in Translation - "that's alright" versus "that's okay" and why the distinction matters more than it should; Brendan learns Kenyan poker on the train
All Joy Matters - Queer Joy: a Black queer panel at the AGM that delivered; Black Joy: dancing, full stop
Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad AGM Nairobi, Black diaspora podcast, American abroad Kenya, DAKE, African diaspora, queer Africa, living in Kenya, overseas Democrats
Kisses from Kenya is the podcast for Americans living abroad who haven't stopped paying attention. Subscribe and join the conversation.
#KissesFromKenya #DemocratsAbroad #AGMNairobi #BlackDiaspora #AmericanAbroad #DAKE #AfricanDiaspora #NairobiPodcast #QueerJoy #OverseasVoters
Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
22min
June 29, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 22: National Treasures & Hidden Transgressions
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EPISODE 22: National Treasures & Hidden Transgressions
Janet Jackson is a national treasure and this is not up for debate. From there: New Orleans gets a new mayor, Vuyanzi reckons with having outsourced her cooking entirely, Brendan emails a CEO with full Karen energy, and someone slept with a parliamentarian. It's that kind of episode.
In this episode:
Opening conversation - a not-so-new revelation and what it means when something you always knew about yourself finally lands differently
Whose America Is It Anyway? - New Orleans elects Helen Morena as mayor: what this moment means and why it matters
Janet Jackson - national treasure, full stop: the case, the evidence, the verdict
Lost in Translation - Vuyanzi has fully outsourced cooking to her house manager and is now confronting the consequences; Brendan emails a CEO and discovers his inner Karen
All Joy Matters - Queer Joy: sleeping with a parliamentarian; Black Joy: Vuyanzi's coaching transition
Democrats Abroad Kenya, Janet Jackson, New Orleans mayor, Black diaspora podcast, American abroad Nairobi, living in Kenya, African diaspora, Kenyan culture, Black joy
Kisses from Kenya is the podcast for Americans living abroad who haven't stopped paying attention. Subscribe and find your people.
#KissesFromKenya #DemocratsAbroad #JanetJackson #NewOrleans #BlackDiaspora #AmericanAbroad #NairobiPodcast #AfricanDiaspora #QueerJoy #KenyanLife
Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
31min
June 22, 2026Kisses from Kenya Episode 21: Still On the Charts, Still In The Streets
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EPISODE 21: Still on the Charts, Still in the Streets
Michael Jackson is back on the charts - 17 years after his death, breaking records ahead of his 30th Anniversary concert. Meanwhile Tanzania blocks an EU delegation from investigating election violence, and Brendan has a point about who gets policed and who doesn't that is worth sitting with.
In this episode:
Opening conversation - Michael Jackson's comeback from beyond: the numbers, the legacy, and the complicated feelings
Whose America Is It Anyway? - Tanzania blocks an EU election violence investigation; the broader question of who gets to police Black and brown nations while a corrupt American president operates without meaningful checks
Lost in Translation - the "huh?" and "eh?" problem across cultures; Brendan witnesses street justice in person and has thoughts
All Joy Matters - Queer Joy: geriatric walks with his bestie; Black Joy: Vuyanzi's coaching transition continues
Democrats Abroad Kenya, Michael Jackson 2026, Tanzania election, Black diaspora podcast, American abroad Nairobi, African politics, living in Kenya, African diaspora, street justice Kenya
Kisses from Kenya is the podcast for Americans living abroad who haven't stopped paying attention. Subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss an episode.
#KissesFromKenya #DemocratsAbroad #MichaelJackson #Tanzania #BlackDiaspora #AmericanAbroad #AfricanPolitics #NairobiPodcast #AfricanDiaspora #QueerJoy
Support the show
About the show Kisses from Kenya is a social and cultural podcast produced by Democrats Abroad Kenya. It explores personal stories about race, queerness, culture, politics, and the experience of being American in Nairobi. The views expressed on this podcast do not represent the official positions of Democrats Abroad Kenya, Democrats Abroad global, or the Democratic Party.
Listen, subscribe, and share If you enjoy conversations about language, identity, diaspora, and culture clash, subscribe for new episodes on a weekly(ish) schedule! You can find us on Youtube at ‪@KissesfromKenya and on all Podcast Platforms.
Follow Democrats Abroad Kenya on Instagram, Facebook, or on the DA website!
Contact us Share your stories, questions, or comments at: [email protected]
...more
31min

FAQs about Kisses from Kenya:

How many episodes does Kisses from Kenya have?

The podcast currently has 30 episodes available.